The owners of Torquay's 'best in world' B&B The 25 - Andy Banner-Price, left, and his husband Julian Banner-Price. (Image: The 25)

The accolade has helped to swell bookings and if there's a spell of good weather, visitors are more likely to make a last minute decision to head to the English Riviera.

Andy Banner-Price who owns the B&B with his husband Julian, said: "Having spent over a decade in the hospitality industry, we’ve seen a trend towards later and later booking, making it hard to predict forward business. Some weekends can look quiet but you suddenly fill up last minute when the weather reports are good.

"Some of our guests are celebrating a birthday or anniversary and want to stay somewhere a bit special. As the date won’t change, they tend to book up sooner. We have a few bookings up to September 2020 already."

Mr Banner-price said that last year's heatwave and the English Riviera's reputation for great weather should result in a bumper summer.

The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay has been named best in the world (Image: The 25)

And Brexit uncertainty along with the decline in the value of sterling means that UK breaks will be attractive for domestic and European visitors.

And they're in for a pleasant surprise, said Mr Banner Price.

He said: "People holidaying in the UK for the first time in a while might be surprised how much the quality of accommodation on offer has changed. Gone are many of the old fashioned B&Bs reminiscent of grandma’s house and in their place are small personally run high end boutique B&Bs like The 25. We have large bedrooms and bathrooms with funky décor and the latest in technology. Luxuries like Elemis toiletries, super king beds and rain head showers are standard, and little touches like daily homemade treats, fresh milk, or our complimentary welcome drink all add to the experience."

THE VENUS COMPANY... MICHAEL SMITH AT BLACKPOOL SANDS WHERE HE RUNS ONE OF HIS CAFES

Michael Smith, owner of The Venus Company which owns beach cafes and restaurants at locations including Blackpool Sands and Bigbury on Sea, said that provenance is increasingly important to visitors.

He said: "I think it's really critical, plus visitors like to try things that are from the area, it's all part of the experience for them."

He said that the beach cafes sell more pasties in Cornwall while burgers, using grass-fed beef made near Plymouth, are best sellers in Devon.

"But what always sells well is real Devon ice cream, particularly when the sun is shining.

"People like water, they like being by the coast whatever the weather."

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At Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which operates Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall has welcomed the late Easter for the increased chance of good weather.

A spokesman said: "Our record single day for visitors was at Easter, not in the summer, which goes to show just how important Easter can be.

"We take on a lot of seasonal staff at this time of year, boosting the local economy. We also stock up for the year with products for the shops and restaurants, with much of that being sourced locally, or through local suppliers."

He said that traditionally, August is the single most important month for zoos in terms of visitor numbers.

In 2018, Paignton Zoo welcomed more than 430,000 visitors, Newquay Zoo 156,000 and Living Coasts more than 131,025.